The USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK with Dr. McInnis

Session 28

In this episode, Ryan talks with Dr. Mike McInnis, Chief Educator at Doctors in Training, a small company that focuses mainly on test prep specifically for USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Exam) and COMLEX (Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination) to help medical students pass the boards.

Today, he talks about the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 board exams, their importance on your path to residency, and study strategies and resources you can employ (including the Doctors in Trainingvideos). COMLEX will be covered in another episode.

What are the USMLE Exams?

The USMLE is a three-part exam designed to test whether a medical student is knowledgeable enough to be licensed as a physician.

USMLE Step 1

A long, computerized, multiple-choice test based on basic sciences

Usually taken at the end of the second year of medical school

Used as a determining factor in residency application

Changing from knowledge-based test to a more clinical/patient-centered exam

Doing well on the USMLE Step 1 gives you a better chance to get into the kind of residency you want. In that way, it is similar to the MCAT determining which medical schools will look at your application. Your Step 1 score can massively impact how many offers you get from top residency programs you want to get into.

Links and Other Resources:

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